Shard Logic: Harmony From Dissonance in Abstract Mosaic

Harmonious, cohesive mosaics can be built from the most dissonant of scraps and shards. This course offers two methods for this: the first uses a unifying material to organize the dissonance, the second uses repetition. As you build a small sample, then one mosaic in each method, set directly into thinset mortar (no previous mortar experience necessary!), watch random mosaic material leftovers, offcuts and scraps cohere into a rhythmic, balanced and lively abstract work of art. As with odd bits of fabric in a rag rug, their scrappy dissonance becomes their visual/textural strength when effectively woven together.

An award-winning professional mosaic artist since 2005, with an aesthetic steeped in materials analysis and innovation, Kelley began teaching her unique blend of contemporary and classically-influenced mosaic techniques in 2009. She's known round the world for her enthusiastic, inventive, yet technically-grounded approach to teaching, both in person and online, that regularly moves students beyond their own creative expectations.

5 or 6 cups or so of scraps/shards in an assortment of materials

Wheeled nippers (Lepponitts or Montolits recommended)

Pencil, note/drawing pad

Tweezers

Apron

Eye protection

Any other of your favorite mosaic tools

An assortment of shards in several materials

Some neutral "unifier" materials

Adhesive (thinset mortar) and admix

Cups

Stirrers

Spatulas

Substrates

A few small tools for each student